Nathan Hale is a progressive high school known for its collaborative, presentation-based curriculum. Prior to this modernization the ‘60s-era concrete building was inwardly-focused, dark, and did not support the school’s educational philosophy or pedagogy.
During the 204,000 SF of phased renovation the building was gutted and taken back to its concrete structure. Carving away a significant amount of the concrete allowed the building to breathe fresh air and light, and the school was rebuilt with new building organization and collaborative learning spaces. A new 14,500 square-foot library and arts addition pushes out to the street, encouraging public participation in education.
Recognizing that learning occurs everywhere, the project creates and connects new spaces while intentionally blurring the line between social and educational spaces through transparency.
Modernization: AIA Council on Architecture for Education (CAE), Merit Award (2014) | AIA Seattle Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, Commendation Award (2012) | AIA Northwest & Pacific Region, Citation Award (2012) | AIA Northwest & Pacific Region, Citation Award (2012) | AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards, Merit Award (2012) | Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Pacific Northwest Chapter, Project Achievement Award (2012)